1 Chronicles 6:71

Authorized King James Version

Unto the sons of Gershom were given out of the family of the half tribe of Manasseh, Golan in Bashan with her suburbs, and Ashtaroth with her suburbs:

Word-by-Word Analysis

לִבְנֵי֮

H1121

Unto the sons

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

גֵּֽרְשׁוֹם֒

H1647

of Gershom

gereshom, the name of four israelites

מִמִּשְׁפַּ֗חַת

H4940

were given out of the family

a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people

חֲצִי֙

H2677

of the half

the half or middle

מַטֵּ֣ה

H4294

tribe

a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),

מְנַשֶּׁ֔ה

H4519

of Manasseh

menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

גּוֹלָ֥ן

H1474

Golan

golan, a place east of the jordan

בַּבָּשָׁ֖ן

H1316

in Bashan

bashan (often with the article), a region east of the jordan

#10

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#11

מִגְרָשֶֽׁיהָ׃

H4054

with her suburbs

a suburb (i.e., open country whither flocks are driven from pasture); hence, the area around a building, or the margin of the sea

#12

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#13

עַשְׁתָּר֖וֹת

H6252

and Ashtaroth

ashtaroth, the name of a sidonian deity, and of a place east of the jordan

#14

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#15

מִגְרָשֶֽׁיהָ׃

H4054

with her suburbs

a suburb (i.e., open country whither flocks are driven from pasture); hence, the area around a building, or the margin of the sea

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?